News from your North Beach PTA
March 13, 2020
Dates to Remember
- All Seattle Public Schools events are cancelled or postponed through April 24th.
- NB Communications Update: The Beachcomber is on a temporary hold following this edition. We will publish announcements on Konstella until school resumes. Sign in or request access here.
- Monday, April 27: First day back at school! (fingers crossed!)
A Note from Our Principal
Hello North Beach community,
As we head into the first weekend of our unscheduled break from school, I’d like to say thank you once again for all the offers of support we’ve received during this difficult week. Seattle Public Schools will be offering emergency food to students who need it starting on March 16, 2020 (details pending). In the meantime, if you are in need of emergency food and/or grocery assistance, please contact Alysa Reid or Carolyn Hostetler (arreid@seattleschools.org or cmhostetler@seattleschools.org).
Sudden disruptions in routine can be unsettling for many of us, especially children. As much as is possible for your family, try to maintain structures and routines around learning during this period. If you can, try to set aside time every day for learning. Maintaining routines around schoolwork is critical not only for preventing learning loss while school is closed, but also to provide children with the sense of predictability and reassurance that they need. The activities teachers emailed home to parents are helpful ways to keep students engaged while we are away from school.
Children may also feel stressed or anxious about current events. It is important not to overload them with information and to think carefully about their exposure to news media. This article from the New York Times (https://parenting.nytimes.com/childrens-health/coronavirus-kids-talk) may be a helpful starting point in thinking about how talk to children about COVID-19.
We know this is a difficult and stressful time for all of us, and we encourage you to take the time to take care of yourselves, your families and your neighbors. We hope to see you back at school again soon.
Wishing everyone good health,
Kristine McLane, kemclane@seattleschools.org
Principal, North Beach Elementary
206-252-1510
How the PTA Is Helping During the School Closure
We're working closely with Principal McLane and school staff to help families and staff in need during the school closure. Because almost all families are already on Konstella, we will be posting most of the information on direct actions there. Please note that Konstella is a private parent portal for current families and staff only. If you aren't signed up, you can request to join here: https://www.konstella.com/…/North…/59bc8f8ce4b0996f734081bb/
We've already posted a link for donations the PTA will use to purchase grocery gift cards. We've also created a social group, Families Helping Families, where you can offer help or request help. You can also create your own social group, such as "First Grade Families" or "28th Avenue Families," for more targeted help.
We're currently compiling information on North Beach staff who have childcare availability - three are noted below. You can check the Konstella group, North Beach Childcare Resources. You can also email childcare@northbeachpta.org to receive a copy of the list when it’s ready.
From the Office
These people have been subbing in our building and are offering to provide childcare services for families in need:
- Daniel Lombard 253-394-3999, Paraeducator, also teaches trumpet, beginner piano and guitar. He has his bachelors degree in music.
- Sophia Stypeck, 301-802-5600, sstypeck@gmail.com Paraeducator
- Carla Madrigal, One of our gracious neighbors across the street is offering her services for childcare as well. Carlamadrigal44@gmail.com
Sarah & Carolyn
Class Picture Day, Mariners Day ... SPS events!
Counselor’s Corner
Like everyone else, I have Coronavirus on my mind this week. I have been meeting with a number of students who are worried or scared about the virus.
Please see the two attached resources to guide you in helping your children at this stressful time. The first is a comic the District already shared which is great for explaining the virus and, hopefully, reassuring kids. The second offers adults tips for helping kids through. The biggest takeaways are to help your kids keep this in perspective; give developmentally appropriate facts; turn off the news and filter the information you share with children; take reasonable measures to protect yourself and your family but stay calm and reassure your children. Kids take their clues from us. If we panic, they will too and have fewer tools for managing stress. If your child seems unusually anxious, I’d be happy to check in with them at school. E-mail me at arreid@seattleschools.org.
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
PTA Volunteer Spotlight
I’m just going to thank everyone because honestly, families, teachers, and community members have stepped up in so many ways in just two days that it has been overwhelming in a good way. We’re still trying to figure out how best to utilize all the support and will keep you posted on opportunities. Thank you so much! I would like to send one special shout-out to Jessica Bjorklund, who cleaned out all the lunch boxes in the lost and found on Wednesday.
-Suzanne Hurley, PTA President
PTA Survey Now Open!
As we start planning for next year’s PTA budget and calendar, we’d like your input on PTA priorities. This survey should take about 3 minutes to complete and will help us decide where to allocate financial resources as well as devote volunteer time.
Who Wants to Be a PTA Officer Next Year?
Feel free to nominate yourself or a loved one! The PTA provides important support to our school and community, and as a registered 501c3 nonprofit, we need officers to function. If you’d like to make a huge contribution to your child’s school, please consider volunteering to be an officer. You can submit nominations to the nominating committee (Karin LaBelle, Rachel McDaniel, and Rebecca Mongrain) at nominations@northbeachpta.org. If you’d like more information on a specific position, please reach out to the current officers: Suzanne Hurley at president@northbeachpta.org, Tara Nessan at vp@northbeachpta.org, Jessica Bjorklund at treasurer@northbeachpta.org, and Beth Carman at secretary@northbeachpta.org. Each position is a one-year term with the possibility of a second term. Elections will take place at our April 7th meeting.
What About the Salmon?
Our salmon fry are safely in their big fish pond at Carkeek Park. 224 of them made the trip safely. There was a literal bucket brigade as all schools with salmon had to rush them to the imprint pond on Wednesday afternoon. They will have a chance to grow and then be released into the creek sometime in May.
Join Seattle Special Education PTSA!
If you have been considering joining the Seattle Special Education PTSA, now is the time! Please visit our website and do it now. www.seattlespecialeducationptsa.org.
We are currently in the process of accepting nominations for new Executive Board Members for next year, we have a spring survey in the works, and our FACE team is working on a plan for a fun social event for all families to close out the year. It has been a big year, and the current board is looking forward to planning for even bigger things next school year. Join us!
5th Grade Car Wash Fundraiser
Brown Bear Car Wash tickets ($10/ea) to support fundraising for 5th grade camp are still available! Contact Jen Osborn for info or tickets which can be delivered via kidmail: jenosborn0@gmail.com.
Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up
Mornings can be quite hectic around the school so please observe the following guidelines to keep our children safe:
- Do not park in the drop off lane in front of the school. This lane is for children exiting the car quickly. Have your child ready to go before you get in the line. Do not exit your car in this line. Your child needs to be able to get out of the car on their own accord.
If you would like to walk your child to the front door or to their classroom, please park in a legal parking spot in the neighborhood. Do not park in the drop off lane.
Cross only at crosswalks. Do not cross in the middle of the street.
Speed limit in front of the school is 15 mph.
Parking around the school is limited. Do not park within 30 feet of a stop sign or within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
No U-turns on 24th Avenue, or using 91st Street to make a U-turn.
No parking in the bus zone (even when no busses are present)
Parallel parking only in front of the house at the NW corner of 24th and 91st. Let's also be good neighbors and not block their mailbox.
No parking facing the wrong direction.
Do not leave your car running, if unattended.
Do not leave your child unattended in a running car.
Seattle Police regularly patrol the area and will issue tickets!
Support North Beach Elementary When You Shop!
Amazon Smile: 0.5% of eligible purchases back to North Beach!
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1320831
Shutterfly: 8% of Purchases come back to North Beach!
Shop for cards and photos at www.NorthBeach.ShutterflyStoreFront.com and help contribute 8% to the North Beach PTA!
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Community News & Events (The programs below are not endorsed by either North Beach PTA or SPS, and are posted for informational purposes only.)
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Digital Safety 101
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Topic: Digital Safety 101
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Phinney Neighborhood Association: 6615 Dayton Avenue North
Please contact the event leads for more information about the rescheduling.
Ballard High School Playmakers break out their legwarmers for Xanadu
Yesterday Ballard High School postponed its upcoming musical performance of Xanadu until early May. Large community gatherings have been cancelled throughout Seattle Public Schools, which is adhering to the recommendations of Public Health--Seattle and King County. Xanadu will now replace BHS's spring play which is typically held in May. Purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates.
For more information please read: Press release & Newsletter article.
Calling on girls grades 3-5th grades, Girls on the Run 2020 is here!
What is Girls on the Run?
At Girls on the Run we inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, fun activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-5th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event. Seeing hundreds of girls streaming across the finish line is beautiful!
Start Date: March 3rd, Tuesday and Thursdays right after school. Registration closes March 9th.
The 5k: May 17th at Memorial Stadium in Renton.
Check out this link to program details and registration resources:
https://www.gotrpugetsound.org/Program-Registration
https://www.gotrpugetsound.org/our-programs
If you have questions contact North Beach liaison:
Jeannette Kane
206-604-4121
Summer Fun!
There are still spots open at Summer Fun!
A performing and visual arts integrated day camp for ages 7-12
Cascadia Elementary in North Seattle July 6th - 24th
For more information and registration visit: http://summerfunseattle.org/
Before/After School Programs
Boys & Girls Club
Hours: 7:00 - 7:50 am and 2:25 am - 6:00 pm M-F
Questions? 206-582-3512 or choover@positiveplace.org.
Registration Information and enrollment paperwork is available at: http://positiveplace.org/locations/childcare/Pages/northbeachchildcare.aspx
Small Faces
The school-aged program at Small Faces serves kindergarten through fifth grade children. At the end of the school day, a school bus takes kids to Small Faces Center where they are greeted by teachers and offered a snack before the program activities begin. Doors close at 6pm. Contact Kathy Brockman with questions and to enroll: kbrockman@smallfaces.org
Illumination Learning Studio
Illumination Learning Studio provides After School Programs for children K-5. We provide transportation after school each day. This is an arts-focused educational program. Please visit our website for more information https://www.illuminationlearningstudio.com/.
Beachcomber Email
Article submissions for this newsletter are due by 5:00pm Wednesdays. Please send articles to beachcomber@northbeachpta.org
About North Beach Elementary
PTA website: northbeachelementary.org
School website: northbeaches.seattleschools.org
Email: beachcomber@northbeachpta.org
Website: northbeachelementary.org
Location: 9018 24th Avenue NW Seattle, WA 98117
Phone: (206) 252-1510
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northbeachpta/
Twitter: @sealsnorthbeach